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Alleged Embezzlement Of 13% Derivation: Okowa Replies Chief Clark

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Immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has told elder statesman, Chief E.K Clark that he used the allocations that accrued to the state under his administration for the development of the state.

Reacting through his Spokesman, Mr Olise Ifeajika to allegations of embezzlement of 13 percent derivation funds leveled against him by elder statesman, he said the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission DESOPADEC, prepares its own budget outside the budget of the state.

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He said: “First let me put it on record that Senator Okowa has immense respect for Chief Edwin Clark, our revered father, elder statesman, respected Deltan and a very loud voice in the country.

“So, whatever he says is important but we are worried that the issues that have been addressed over and over are still being revisited by our father, Chief Clark. Because it is coming from him, otherwise we would have said let it slide but we have to respond to him because of who he is.”

READ ALSO: Shock As Lawmaker Dies 3-days To End Of Tenure

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On the allegation of N150 billion loan to fund Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign, he said the money was not a loan but a bridging finance.

He explained that what was owed Delta State was N240 billion which he said the Federal Government agreed to pay on four quarterly installment for five years.

Saying that some states discounted and collected all their monies and started spending, he noted that “because Okowa believes in rule of law, due process and diligence, he went to the House of Assembly to get approval to use part of the funds for some critical projects from the quarterly instalmental refunds.”

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He explained that only N91billon was accessed from the N100 billion bridging finance request, saying “It is therefore, erroneous to assume that Okowa collected N150bn loan.”

READ ALSO: Peter Obi Still Best Candidate For Better Nigeria – Obasanjo

On the allegation that Okowa owns a bank, he said Okowa was known to be a medical doctor turned politician and not a businessman.

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According to him, “Okowa has been acknowledged roundly as having performed superlatively, Okowa braved the odds, broke the jinx and developed the oil producing creeks and communities in the state and the projects are there speaking for themselves.

“It is on record that Okowa empowered no fewer than 30,000 youths and took them off the street to become entrepreneurs and job creators. Delta State Government led the pack in youth empowerment and Delta under Okowa was number one in youth development.”

He urged the elder statesman to commend Okowa for his financial prudence, transparency and good governance instead of lampooning him.

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2027: Jonathan May Get Automatic Ticket, If… – PDP

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is reportedly considering offering former President Goodluck Jonathan an automatic ticket to contest the 2027 presidential election, if he returns to the party and plays a more active political role.

This was revealed by Daniel Woyengikuro, the PDP’s National Financial Secretary, during an exclusive interview in Abuja. Woyengikuro emphasized Jonathan’s continued influence within the party and the nation’s politics, describing him as the PDP’s national leader.

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Is he not the best candidate for us at this moment? He is not just a former president; he is the leader of the party now. Aside from [former President Olusegun] Obasanjo, the next person in line is him. Goodluck Jonathan is the national leader of this party,” Woyengikuro said.

READ ALSO:Renowned American Actor Jonathan Joss Shot Dead

He confirmed that the PDP has been consulting with Jonathan and his associates, aiming to bring him back into the party’s mainstream leadership as part of a larger strategy to reposition the party and address Nigeria’s growing political and economic challenges.

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“Nigeria has reached a point where we need to salvage this country — for our generation and for those to come,” Woyengikuro added. “When we talk about the Southern Presidency, someone like Goodluck Jonathan stands out.”

When asked directly if the party would consider granting Jonathan an automatic ticket, Woyengikuro responded emphatically:

For me, that’s what I firmly stand for. You can quote me anywhere — I want him to come. An automatic ticket for him, as it stands now. Because we must salvage both this party and the nation.”

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READ ALSO:2027: Shocker As Patience Jonathan Throws Wight Behind Tinubu, Vows Rigorous Campaign

He further asserted that Jonathan’s return would significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

Woyengikuro also praised Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, calling him a “vibrant leader” and a strong candidate from the South capable of bridging Nigeria’s generational divide.

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These are the two main individuals I stand for: Goodluck Jonathan and Seyi Makinde,” he concluded.

The PDP is expected to intensify its internal consultations in the coming months as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

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PDP Announces National Convention Zoning Committee Inauguration Date

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The People’s Democratic Party, on Wednesday, announced that the inauguration of its National Convention Zoning Committee will take place on Thursday, August 14, 2025, as part of preparations for its 2025 Elective National Convention.

The party invites key stakeholders to a significant event aimed at shaping the party’s future leadership structure.

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This is contained in a press release by PDP’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, on the party’s official X account.

READ ALSO:2027: Peter Obi Is Honest, His 4-year Term Promise Is Sacrosanct – PDP Chieftain

The inauguration is scheduled to start at 12:00 pm WAT at the NEC Hall, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

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The event will bring together PDP governors, members of the Board of Trustees, the National Working Committee, the National Executive Council, serving and former National Assembly members, as well as other key stakeholders.

“This is to formally inform and invite all our governors, BOT, NWC, NEC, serving and former NASS members, and all our stakeholders to the inauguration of the National Convention Zoning Committee (NCZC) of our great party,” the statement read.

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Oyo By-election: APC Unveils Campaign Council

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The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, on Wednesday, inaugurated its campaign council for the August 16 Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, charging members to ensure a resounding victory for the party’s candidate.

The PUNCH reports that a two-term member of the House of Representatives representing the constituency, Musiliudeen Akinremi, popularly known as Jagaban, died in July 2024.

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The state APC chairman, Olayide Abas, gave this advice while addressing party leaders, stakeholders and supporters during the inauguration ceremony, held at the party’s Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, the state capital.

Abas, who expressed sadness over the sudden demise of the late Akinremi, described him as a friend of the masses who delivered beyond expectations before his untimely passing last year.

READ ALSO:Edo Bye-Elections: Show You Are On Ground, Idahosa Tasks APC Leaders

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He recalled that only representatives from Alliance for Democracy, Action Congress of Nigeria and APC had made the constituency proud since 1999, warning against returning control to individuals he described as hawks and impostors.

Abas commended all aspirants from the constituency for their contributions to democracy and the APC, urging unity among stakeholders to ensure collective success in the forthcoming poll.

Reps member Akin Alabi (APC- Egbeda/Ona-Ara) as Director-General of the Campaign Council, is mandated to mobilise support for the party’s candidate, Adewale Olatunji (Murphy).

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“The newly inaugurated council comprises eminent party stalwarts, seasoned politicians, and dynamic administrators,” he said.

READ ALSO:Edo: Aggrieved APC Members In Oredo Accuse Party State Secretary Of Marginalisation, Want Okpebholo’s Intervention

In his remarks, the Deputy Director-General of the campaign council, Gaphar Ojetola, commended members for their dedication and unity, pledging unflinching support to ensure the party secures an overwhelming victory in the election.

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Ojetola assured stakeholders that the campaign council would give its best by working tirelessly with all party structures, mobilising grassroots support, and ensuring the electorate clearly understands and embraces the party’s progressive agenda.

Speaking on behalf of other aspirants, Monsuru Adeyemo appreciated the inclusiveness of the campaign process, noting that unity of purpose among members remained a critical factor in securing resounding electoral success across the constituency.

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